Book excerpt: This analysis examines the evolving contexts of U.S. maritime power in the Asia-Pacific region. It assesses its historical growth, changes as the result of major geopolitical shifts, and the impact of both the Cold War and Post-Cold War periods. Special emphasis is put on the ways the Post-Cold War era is affecting, and may influence, U.S. strategy generally and with special reference to naval power. It also examines the way in which Asian maritime power affects the geopolitical circumstances of the region and, in turn, the United States' strategy in the region.